The board received an update from Becky Thorson on information about a proposed restroom project at the softball/baseball field complex and gave final approval to the South High Pride Booster Club to move ahead with the construction of this facility. The project will get underway as soon as weather and the summer game schedule permits.

The board held its second reading of a number of board policy revisions. Among the policies approved was a policy revision that establishes all South Hamilton School District property areas to be smoke and tobacco-free environments. This policy will be implemented with the start of the summer athletic season

The board granted approval for an overnight trip to accommodate participants in the upcoming state boys and/or girls track meets, if student-athlete participation and the time of scheduled events warrant the need.

Approved one 2003-04 open enrollment request into the district for a pre-K student from the Northeast Hamilton district.

The board addressed a number of personnel matters:
Approved the following recommendations for employment:

• Gary Nelson  - 7th Grade Girls Basketball coach
• Chris Fiore - 9th grade volleyball coach
• Brad Bixby - Head Volleyball Coach
• Justin Lutjen - Assistant Baseball Coach

Approved the Issuance of Support Staff Contracts for 2003-04.

Approved the superintendent's recommendation to terminate the continuing contracts of Lisa Arndt and Kirsti Place for the 2003-04 school year. The reasons for the recommendation were declining enrollment and budgetary considerations.

Discussed participation in shared vocational program opportunities for students involving the Webster City, South Hamilton and Southeast Webster districts. South Hamilton students currently participate in the Health Occupations and Construction Trades classes offered at Webster City. The board wishes to continue participation in the present program arrangements and course opportunities and welcomes students from neighboring districts to attend SH classes that meet their needs. The board wishes to maintain the current transportation arrangements for students to attend those classes.

Approved the student registration fees and hot lunch prices for 2003-04. The fees and meal prices will remain the same as this past year.

Approved the following job targets for Superintendent Kinley for the 2003-04 school year:

1. Continue to provide proactive guidance, direction and leadership in addressing district budgetary issues. Develop appropriate and manageable responses to state budgetary decisions that impact the South Hamilton School District. Be proactive in planning for future staffing realignments driven by budgetary issues and program needs.
2. Provide strong leadership in building increased relationships and promoting partnerships with neighboring districts.
3. Increase the reporting of classroom highlights and the academic progress of students at board meetings.

The board revisited the 2003-04 Calendar and specifically, the date and time for Commencement, 2004. The date remains the same, Saturday, May 29, 2004. The starting time was set at 7:00 p.m.

The board renewed its catastrophic accident insurance program for 2003-04. The program provides coverage for students participating in interscholastic athletics as well as any school sponsored and supervised activities. 
The board also granted approval for student accident insurance information to be distributed to any interested families by Student Assurance Services, Inc. of Stillwater, MN. This information is available to families at the time of fall registration.

The board held its first reading on several new policy revisions recommended by IASB. Topics that were addressed included polices on Legal Counsel, Original and Continuing Contracts for Licensed Employees, Licensed Employee Probationary Status, Educational Planning and Needs Assessment and the district's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. The board also held a first reading on a new policy on the Naming of School Facilities. The policy outlines criteria for a person to be considered in the naming of any school facilities. It establishes that a person must have been retired for at least five years or deceased for a minimum of two years prior to being nominated for consideration.

Approved the issuing of diplomas at commencement to 55 members of the Graduating Class of 2003 from South Hamilton High School. Commencement will be held on Saturday evening, May 24, 2003. The conferring of the diploma will be contingent upon each student successfully completing all of the district's requirements for graduation.

Approved the renewal of a contract with Iowa State University to place student teachers in South Hamilton schools during the 2003-04 school year.

Approved a request from Emily Petrie, SH graduate and currently enrolled in Toccoa College in Georgia, to complete her field experience at SH elementary school during her May term.

Secondary Principal Steve Gray reported on a high school band/chorus schedule adjustment that will be piloted during the second semester of next school year.

The board reviewed a letter to the to SH Elementary School staff, complimenting the students and staff on the value and success of the recent "Tour of Communities" character education event held at the school.

Mr. Kinley visited with the board about the potential impact of SF 445 - County Wide Local Option Sales Tax legislation and indicated that he would be contacting the superintendents from Webster City and Northeast Hamilton to discuss the future of this legislation in Hamilton County.